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Many people avoid going to the dentist out of fear. Dental anxiety is a very real thing, and it affects millions of Americans.

Speak up about your fears

If you are afraid of the dentist or are nervous about an upcoming procedure, speak up! Your dentist is here to help ease your fear and make your visit as painless as possible. He or she will work with you to provide a safe and comfortable experience. 

Agree on a signal

Agreeing on a nonverbal sign is a way to communicate that you need a break and/or are not comfortable during a procedure. Your dentist may ask you to put a hand up or say “stop” when you need to take a break. By deciding on a signal together, you both know what to expect and can take steps to avoid it.

Take a trusted person with you

If going to the dentist makes you nervous, consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you for support. They can also help provide a distraction by reading a book or magazine right next to you while you are in the dentist’s chair. A trusted friend or family member can reassure you and help you relax during the appointment.

Bring distractions

Bring a distraction along to help you stay calm during your procedure. This could be a book, music, or white noise audio. You could even bring a bag of your favorite candy to distract you from the procedure. 

Consider sedation dentistry

If you’ve requested dental treatment but feel stressed or anxious, there are options available. You may want to consider the use of oral conscious sedation. This form of medication will relax you while you receive dental care. Sedation dentistry is safe and will allow you to have a positive and comfortable experience at the dental office.

Oral conscious sedation involves taking a pill that will put you in a relaxed state before your appointment. It will allow you to feel safe and calm throughout your procedure. However, you will not lose consciousness. You will still be able to respond to verbal cues from your dentist if needed.

After your treatment is complete, be sure to follow all instructions from your provider. This includes scheduling a follow-up visit so that our team can evaluate the success of the procedure and determine if any follow-up care is necessary.

If you are no longer seeing a dentist, it’s never too late to start again. Contact our office to schedule an appointment today. To learn more, schedule your exam, contact Grace Dental Ed Bishay at 5022 US-90 ALT suite c, Sugar Land, TX 77498, or call (281) 340-1333.